So You Want to Live in Hawaii: The Guide to Settling and Succeeding in the Islands

by Toni Polancy, G. Brad Lewis (Photographer), Matthew Thayer (Photographer)

Here's the first practical book about day-to-day life in Hawaii. A warts and wonders look at the jolts and joys of Paradise including 105 survival tips; 15 professions in search of workers now; charts,information and resource guides on schools, housing, business, retirement and even romance. Includes overview of life styles of each island. Over 100 photos and 16 pages of color photos. Concise and thorough, it's designed to help decide whether paradise is for you.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Ming Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of interesting information, well writen, well produced book, packs allot within its pages. Well worth reading if you are interested in moving to Hawaii to live. Nice size book, quality feel to pages, no editorial errors.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

After going to Maui, I thought I wanted to live in Hawaii but, after reading this book, I learned I probably really didn't want to live in Hawaii after all....

[Roblyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although dated (the latest version I could find was printed in 2005) this book had some great information about moving to Hawaii and things to consider, be aware of, look out for. I'm glad I read it even after I moved here as I learned some things that I didn't know.

If you ever consider moving over, give it a quick read.

[Anasus21077 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice resource to have, each section has a little personal account of their trials of moving and adjusting to Hawai'i. I think I would have appreciated it more if I were part of the target audience: individuals who are accustomed to living in the suburbs and the majority.

[Karen]

I have not only read the book, but moved to Hawaii. :) Has some very sound advise.

[Penny G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure this book is trying to discourage my from moving. My favorite quote "Hawaii will either accept you into her arms ... Or or she will spit you out."

[Travis Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

©️ 1999. I knew when I picked this up that it was going to be dated. It was crazy to see how much the world has changed in 20 years!

Despite the hundreds of, I assume, now dead phone numbers listed, the book did contain tons of valuable insights into Hawaiian life and culture and solid overviews of each island. 🏝️

[Kelsey Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely learned some new things about living in Hawaii, only problem is it's about 20 years old now.

[Hannah Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely take some issues to this book, particularly the capitalist perspective it emphasizes-- the idea of what can I get out of the islands and how can I best position myself to make money. Also, the whole "we're all settlers!" notion that runs throughout the book is insenstive to the native worldview of the islands, and the almost complete absence of Native Hawaiian (or even non-white local) voices and perspectives was astounding.

I did appreciate how it seeks to look beyond what a typical "guide to Hawaiʻi" would and tries to be sensitive to the historical and social issues plaguing the island. I haven't read the new volume, but I would be interested to know if she has updated her perspectives at all.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book shortly after finding out that we were moving back to Hawaii, so I grabbed it immediately. I haven't actually read it from cover to cover, but I've reviewed a lot of it and it has some good, though somewhat dated advice (my copy was published in 1999).

[Elizabeth Gennari]

VERY helpful and informative. Fun to read as well :)

[Lana Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very resourceful so far...we'll see when i get there :)